The Italian coach guided City to their first league title in 44 years after an incredible last-minute 3-2 victory against QPR on the final day of last season.

But, with his side now three points behind their cross-city rivals ahead of their upcoming encounter on Sunday, Mancini believes the advantage is firmly with Sir Alex Ferguson’s men.

"They are favourites for the title," Mancini told reporters "They were a strong team and they bought [Robin] Van Persie, [Shinji] Kagawa. They added to their squad with another player who scored 25 goals [last season]."

However, when asked whether he had any regrets about not signing Van Persie for his own side, the former Inter boss was adamant that events had played out for the best.

"No, it's in the past," Mancini said. "We have good players that are strong enough. If we improve this moment where we are not scoring a lot of goals I am sure that if we continue to work we can improve."

And with the Dutch striker and his team-mates coming to the Etihad Stadium for the first time this season at the weekend, Mancini believes there is more pressure on his side as United have the luxury of a three-point lead.